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Synonyms

biddable

American  
[bid-uh-buhl] / ˈbɪd ə bəl /

adjective

  1. Cards. adequate to bid upon.

    a biddable suit.

  2. willing to do what is asked; obedient; tractable; docile.

    a biddable child.

  3. that may be acquired by bidding.

    biddable merchandise.


biddable British  
/ ˈbɪdəbəl /

adjective

  1. having sufficient value to be bid on, as a hand or suit at bridge

  2. docile; obedient

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of biddable

First recorded in 1820–30; bid 1 + -able


Explanation

To remember biddable, which means "obedient" and "capable of being trained," think: "able" to do your "bidding." Certain breeds of dog, such as Golden Retrievers, are prized for their biddability. In other words, they are easy to housebreak, and you can train them to do tricks. Headstrong dachshunds are not known to be biddable. Bark "sit" and "stay" commands all you like, they listen only when it conveniences them. And cats? Your cat is likely evaluating how biddable you are turning out to be.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing biddable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Chava is a newly born golem—a mythological, biddable creature originating in Jewish folklore—without a master.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

Border collies, for instance, tend to be more biddable than the average dog.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2022

But there are plenty of examples and evidence of protocol meant to control the work environment and keep workers biddable.

From Salon ● Oct. 24, 2021

Dogs tend to be open, honest and biddable.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 14, 2013

Prince Aegon Targaryen was not near as biddable as the boy Young Griff had been, however.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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